The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award recognizes individuals who make New Jersey a better place – whether through a lifetime of service or a single heroic act.

In 2019, up to ten extraordinary people will be honored, with the top award at $50,000, two awards of $25,000 and up to seven awards of $7,500 each.

An Advisory Board of prominent New Jersey citizens will select the finalists, who will be honored at a ceremony at Ramapo College of New Jersey on May 3, 2019.

Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie and Ramapo College of New Jersey, the awards honor “unsung heroes” throughout the state who have made a significant impact on their communities.

“Through this award, we honor the contributions of people who don’t seek recognition for what they do, yet generously give of themselves to make New Jersey a better place,” said Angelica Berrie, president of The Russell Berrie Foundation.

The Advisory Board charged with selecting finalists is co-chaired by Josh S. Weston, honorary chairman, Automatic Data Processing, Inc., and Dr. Peter P. Mercer, president of Ramapo College of New Jersey. The Board, comprised of prominent New Jersey business and nonprofit leaders, will evaluate nominations submitted by individuals, community groups, houses of worship, educators, representatives of the media and others. Following this evaluation, based on criteria refined by the Board, awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

To learn more about the remarkable local heroes who have received the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award over the past 22 years, please visit us online or on Facebook.